Use of Performance Enhancing Drugs, Their Effects and Types Used by The Students of Faisalabad Medical University

Muhammad Ehtisham Saqib; Umme Aeman Khan; Iqra  Naeem; Hafiz  Yaseen

doi:10.29054/apmc/2018.155

Muhammad Ehtisham Saqib PGR Medicine, Madina Teaching Hospital, Faisalabad
Umme Aeman Khan Women Medical Officer Govt. General Hospital, Faisalabad
Iqra Naeem Women Medical Officer Children Hospital, Faisalabad
Hafiz Yaseen PGR, Pediatrics Unit-1 Allied Hospital, Faisalabad

DOI: https://doi.org/10.29054/apmc/2018.155

Keywords: Performance enhancing drugs(PEDS), anabolic steroids(AS)

Abstract

Objectives: To find out the percentage of students from Faisalabad Medical University that are currently using Performance enhancing drugs, to find out the types of Performance enhancing drugs that are currently being used by the students and to find out the effects of these performance enhancing drugs on the health of the students. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: 25 students each from 2^nd year, 3^rd year, 4th year and 5^th year studying at Faisalabad Medical University were included in the study. Study Period: January, 2015 to June, 2015. Materials and methods: A total of one hundred medical students were anonymously given a 10-item questionnaire. 25 students each from 2^nd year, 3^rd year, 4th year and 5^th year were involved in the study. The team randomly distributed the questionnaire among the students on alternative days. The completed questionnaire was sealed in envelopes and analyzed. Results: The age of the students completing the Performa ranged from 19-25 years. In the male population the highest use of PEDS was observed in the age group of 22 years, while the lowest use of PEDS was observed in the age group of 19 years. The highest percentage of females that used PEDS was observed in the age group of 22 years as well similar to the male ratio of PEDS use at the high level. The lowest use of PEDS was observed at the age group of 19 and 25 which was 5 % in both age groups. Conclusion: The results indicated that PEDS were used by the male students in a higher percentage as compared to the female students. The Caffeinated energy drinks were used more commonly. The results of this strategic survey have provided for the first-time valuable information about the use of PEDS by students of FMU to achieve desirable effects. It demonstrates that the use of PEDS in the students was high as compared to expected results; especially higher in those male students involved in sports or gym activities specifically bodybuilding athletes.